Keeping our borders bright

Deadheading and feeding are key tasks now, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

AS we creep towards autumn the main target in the flower garden is to keep our beds colourful and healthy for as long as possible.

It is time to balance care with ruthlessness - continue to deadhead and feed plants regularly but don't be afraid to remove those that are past their best or showing signs of disease.

It is too late in the season to use fungicides against problems such as black spot and powdery mildew so you need to remove and bin leaves afflicted by these problems.

It is best to remove badly affected annuals altogether to prevent the spread of disease spores and improve airflow through borders.

Water consistently, as this helps keep powdery mildew at bay, and don't forget to feed flowering plants fortnightly with a solution of liquid tomato fertiliser to help them stay blooming. Container plants will need daily watering during dry spells and a weekly feed.